Surgery

[Ezzl]

Hi All,

Today I booked my surgery for the trans gluteal approach for the end of October. The surgery will be bilateral. My surgeon went through all the risks so i'n prepared. Prior to surgery I will be having a ketermine infusion with my pain dr so everything is happening all too fast.

I know there are links to people's recovery but would anybody pls tell me again how you were after surgery?

Thanks Erin

[janetm2]

Erin,
Not sure exactly what you are asking but I cannot say I felt innstantly better after surgery but over time I got better. I was sore from the sugery and on painkillers for weeks. I could not see working until after 3 months and then it has been very gradual. Once I got approved for leave without pay I decided to take it slow. Before surgery I was going down hill and only worked 4 five hour days a week with taking off weds for break. My surgery was May 2011 and I now work some 8 hour days and others shorter for treatments. They just changed me to PT every 3 weeks and same with acupuncture. I am working on strengthening core muscles to keep my pelvis stable and looking into biofeedback through a psychologist. I gradually felt better over time but changes were maybe every 2-4 weeks, a slow process. I wish you a faster recovery!
Janet

[carolynm]

Erin,

Do you know where you are entrapped? Would you consider Dr. Erdogrus surgery in Turkey? The risk of re-entrapment seems much lower with his laparoscopic approach. It infuriates me that no surgeons here in the US are using this minimally invasive technique.

Cm

[Princesspokie]

Ezzi,

Thought I would give you my experience after surgery. For starters, my surgeon was Dr. Antolak, he is just wonderful and owe my life to him and a few other doctors who actually listened to me and what my body was saying. I have had 5 nerve block injections. The injections helped my right side but not my left. My surgery was Monday the 10th of September. I got to come home Wednesday late afternoon. Dr. Antolak informed us that I was entrapped at 2 different locations, the Alcocks Canal and the clamp. He indicated that my nerve was gray in color and had resembled one of which was a radiation patient. I will be the 1st to tell you I have never received radiation. He then wrapped my nerve and said my Nerve was pink before he closed my incision! I had only my left side done, which I am greatful for! I don't think I would have been able to do both at once. The pain isn't fun. Not that I didn't expect to experience pain. I will tell you I have not had one shock of pain or any nerve pain I perviously had everyday before surgery! I also had the explanation as to why laparoscopic approach isn't always the best for this condition. In order to get full visualization of the nerve and what is going on an open approach is best. I will keep you posted to my recovery if you would like. I wish you the best of luck in your future and hope one day you will be pain free!

Hoping for your recovery,
Nichole

[janetm2]

Nichole,
Wonderful to hear your surgery has removed the PN pain and only surgery pain is left. Hope that subsides soon. Best to you and keep us posted.
Janet

[Karyn]

Best wishes with your surgery, Erin! Who's your surgeon? Are you having just one ketamine infusion, or is your treatment expanding several days?

It infuriates me that no surgeons here in the US are using this minimally invasive technique.

I also had the explanation as to why laparoscopic approach isn't always the best for this condition. In order to get full visualization of the nerve and what is going on an open approach is best.

Yes, Nicole. There really are reasons why the laproscopic approach isn't commonly used for nerve decompressions. Maybe Dr. Tibets approach is "innovative & less invasive", but surgeons such as Dr. Conway, Dr. Hibner, Dr. Antolak, Dr. Marvel, perform pelvic laproscopic surgeries frequently. So, it's not as if they're unfamiliar or unexperienced with the technique. Less invasive doesn't necessarily mean more effective.

[Violet M]

Very true, Karyn. Most surgeons seem to be favoring the TG approach with the best visualization. It would be interesting to know if one or the other leads to less scar tissue which seems to be a major issue with some people.

Best wishes with your surgery, Erin.

Violet

[Karyn]

It would be interesting to know if one or the other leads to less scar tissue which seems to be a major issue with some people.

I agree!
Karyn

[Ezzl]

Thanks for all your advice and well wishes.

My surgery is in 13 days on the countdown now getting nervous and scared.

I'll keep you all updated after my surgery.
xxx

[Karyn]

Best wishes, Erin!
Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Do you have things that will make your life a little easier for your recovery? Stuff like: a toilet seat riser, a grabber, re-arranged shelves/closets, etc ....
Hugs,
Karyn